What is the UK terror threat level, how is it set and why was it raised after Golders Green attacks?
The UK's terror threat level has been raised from 'substantial' to 'severe' following recent attacks in Jewish neighborhoods, including a stabbing in Golders Green. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) made the decision, indicating that a terrorist attack is now considered 'highly likely'. The threat level is based on intelligence, terrorist capability, and intentions, with 'severe' being the second-highest of five levels.
- ▪The UK terror threat level was raised to 'severe' after a series of attacks in Jewish neighborhoods, including a stabbing in Golders Green on Wednesday.
- ▪The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), based at MI5's headquarters, is responsible for setting the UK's terror threat level.
- ▪The 'severe' threat level means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely, with 'critical' being the only higher level, indicating an imminent attack.
- ▪The suspect in the Golders Green attack was identified as Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old British national originally from Somalia.
- ▪The UK threat level has most frequently been at 'severe' since it was first made public in 2006 and has only been at 'critical' four times.
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NewsUKCrimeWhat is the UK terror threat level, how is it set and why was it raised after Golders Green attacks?The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre announced the decision to upgrade the UK terror threat on ThursdayPress Association Reporters Thursday 30 April 2026 18:46 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"CF1:2968350To1","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/what-is-the-uk-terror-threat-level-explained-b2968361.html","title":"What is the UK terror threat level and why has it been raised?"}}Starmer says government need to be open to learning…
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